Current H1N1 flu vaccine recommendations by the CDC

I understand through an email update from the California Medical Association, that vaccine for the novel H1N1 flu ("swine flu") is to be available along with the standard seasonal Autumn flu shots.

Realize that the H1H1 vaccine is separate from this, and is likely to require two shots in series.

The word is that access and supply are not going to be a problem, but in the event that it is, the CDC is recommending that certain groups get first access. Mind you, other sources such as WebMD had news coverage less than a week ago of production delays. It is important to remember that researching, developing and producing vaccines and other biologicals is extremely difficult. The flu vaccines are matured on chicken embryos for gosh sakes!

At any rate, the current recommendations for novel H1N1 flu vaccination in the event of inadequate supply is as follows:

First:

• Pregnant women
  
• Children 6 months to 4 years old
• Children 5 to 18 years old with chronic medical conditions
• health care workers with direct patient contact
• people living with or caring for children under 6 months old

Second:

• 19-24 year olds
• 25-64 year olds with chronic illnesses

Third:

• 25-64 year olds without chronic illnesses

Last:

• all persons 65 and older

Note that the reason for "seniors" to get H1N1 vaccine last is because they are at very low risk to even get the swine flu. This probably means that if you are 65 or older, you got a flu back when you were younger that was similar and gives you partial immunity to the swine flu. Younger folks don't have this response because they weren't around yet!

Remember, this is different than the usual annual flu shots. Those are available and plentiful and should be received between Hallowe'en and Thanksgiving for best effect.